The average salary in the Australian women's squad is reportedly around $41,000 -- which includes a base wage as well as tax-free contributions from the Australian Sports Commission and world series win bonuses, which are also tax free. This was further boosted by $15,000 for winning Olympic gold.

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After England's 2014 success it switched focus to sevens, giving 20 players contracts as they sought to earn selection for the combined Great Britain team. England supplied 11 of the 12-strong squad that reached the semifinals in Rio before losing the bronze medal playoff against Canada.

There will be 16 part-time contracts for sevens for the upcoming season -- three days a week -- while another 16 short-term deals will be on offer to cover training camps ahead of major tournaments.

"This is a really exciting time for women's rugby in England," RFU Head of Women's Performance Nicky Ponsford said. "We will have more contracted players than ever before to give us the best possible chance of retaining the World Cup in Ireland next August.

"We also recognize that the sevens program is important again next year with the world series and qualification for Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2018."

Global game

The sevens circuit travels around the world -- the men went to 10 cities last season, and the women five.

World Rugby pays for teams to take part in both world series -- including flights, hotels, meals -- as well as funding development and high-performance programs in some unions, but told CNN that player earnings are up to the individual nations.

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The ruling body said its member unions had received an extra $2 million in funding -- from government, sports councils and national Olympic committees -- ahead of Rio 2016 as a result of sevens being included in the program.

"We can expect to see that figure rise as rugby sevens establishes itself as an Olympic sport," a spokesman told CNN.

"The amount that will be brought into the game through private investment, sponsorship etc. because of the Olympic factor is harder to put a figure on but it will be significant as rugby in all its formats becomes more visible."